Method of making belt lacer joining pins



March 9, 1937. F. w. KNOTT 2,073,374

METHOD OF MAKING BELT LACER JOINING PINS Filed Sept. 27, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

W ATTORNEY,

March 9, 1937. F..W. KNQTT' 2,073,374

METHOD OF MAKING BELT LACER JOINING PINS Filed Sept. 27, 1955 2 Sheets+Sheet2 INVENTOR.

Patented Mar. 9, 1937 METHOD OF MAKING BELT LACER JOINING PINS Frank W. Knott, Detroit, Mich.

Application September 27, 1935, Serial No. 42,468

12 Claims.

My invention pertains to pins for coupling lacings on the abutting ends of power transmitting belts and more particularly to an improved method for making same.

5 It is an object of my invention to provide a simple method of making belt-lacer coupling pins of any desired size which will be substantially impervious to heat and wear and which will maintain smooth conformation during a long 10 period of service.

It is also an object of my invention to provide a method for making belt-lacer wear-resisting pins of any desired size from fibrous material and impregnating liquid.

1 Inasmuch as a certain amount of flexibility is necessary in the coupling pins, it is necessary that the fibers be laid up spirally so that when the pin is flexed it will not unduly stretch the fibers on the outward side of the bend.

20 The invention itself, however, both as to the method and the apparatus by which it can be conveniently performed, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood from the following description when 25 read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a view in elevation, partly diagrammatic, representing a system and apparatus for impregnating a strip of cotton tape for use in 30 making a coupling pin in accordance with my invention;

Figure 2 is an elevational View showing the apparatus for continuously winding the impregnated tape around a fibrous center core as it is 35 moved therethrough;

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a pair of mold blocks in which the coupling pins are pressed;

Figure 4 is a view in elevation illustrating a ress enclosed within a heating oven for performing the final step of the method;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the fibrous core showing how the impregnated tape is wrapped about the core in opposite di- 45 rections as it passes through the apparatus;

Figure 6 is a view in elevation illustrating a bath containing hot parafiln in which the pins are finally cured; and

Figure '7 is a plan view of a finished belt-lacer 50 coupling pin.

Referring more specifically to Figure 1 of the drawings, the apparatus for performing the first or impregnating step in making belt-lacer coupling pins in accordance with my invention, com- 55 prises brackets l for pivotally supporting a supply spool 3 on which cotton tape 5 is wound and from which it is unreeled as it is impregnated. The impregnating liquid, which is a phenolic condensation product or, more particularly, a solution of phenol-resin, is supported in a tank 1 ad- 5 jacent the supply spool and is maintained at room temperature. Suitable idler pulleys or rolls 9 and l l, are provided near the bottom at opposite sides of the tank. The tape 5 passing from the spool 3 runs over an idler roll 13, which is 10 suitably journaled above the upper edge of the tank 1 passing thence downwardly under the idler roll 9 adjacent the bottom of the tank from which it passes across the bottom of the tank under the idler roller ll adjacent the opposite side emerging from the tank and passing upwardly over an idler roller l5 positioned thereabove.

To cure the impregnated tape or to dry out the majority of the solvent, after emersion in the impregnating tank 1, the tape is passed successively over a series of rollers l1 disposed on opposite sides of a drying chamber l9. Great care must be taken not to apply very much heat, as heat, at a curing temperature, hardens the resin, which then becomes crystalline and porous. The drying chamber I9 is heated by a gas burner 2i or any suitable heat generating means for maintaining thedesired degree of temperature which is slightly above that of the room temperature, and it comprises an oven for suitably heattreating the impregnated tape- For this purpose the tape receiving rollers I! adjacent the oven are suitably arranged for passing the tape to and fro through the heated interior thereof. It will be understood that the ends of the oven, where the tape successively enters and. emerges may either be open or provided with end walls having narrow slits through which the tape passes for conserving heat therein. From the last roller l1, adjacent the oven the impregnated tape 5 is drawn over a receiving spool 23 which is suitably journaled adjacent the opposite end of the oven.

For continuously drawing the tape 5 from the supply spool 23 thru the impregnating tank 1 and through the oven l9 to the receiving spool 23, the latter is continuously driven by any suitable motive means, such as an electric motor 25, for example. The motor 25 may be coupled to the receiving spool 23 by any power transmitting means such as the belt 21 and pulley 29 which may be arranged to drive the spool at a suitable rate of speed'as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

In making belt coupling pins in accordance with my invention, the cotton tape 5, after having been impregnated and practically cured in the manner above set forth, is wrapped in a spiral manner and in oppositely disposed layers about a cotton core 31. This step in the method may readily be accomplished in the manner and by means of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings. As shown, a supply of the cotton material 3| for the core of the pin is carried on a supply spool 33 which may be pivotally supported in a suitable manner on the lower portion of the frame members 35 of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a plurality of shelves 31, 39, 4| and 43 mounted in spaced relation and supported between the side frame members 35.

The cotton core 3| from the supply spool 33 passes around an idler pulley 38 through the lowermost shelf 3'! of the machine and then passes upwardly thru the shelves in succession to a driving pulley 45, which is supported on a shaft 41 journaled in suitable brackets 49 rising from the third shelf 4|. The driving pulley 45, which is actuated in a manner to be subsequently set forth, receives several turns of the cotton material 3| sufficient to provide frictional engagement therewith for drawing the core upward from the supply spool 33. After the core material 3| passes around the driving pulley 45 it passes upwardly thru the uppermost shelf 43 of the machine where it is reeled upon a receiving spool 5|. The receiving spool is mounted on the end of the shaft which is journaled on a standard which rises from the uppermost shelf of the machine.

In order to simultaneously actuate the driving spool 45 for drawing the cotton material thru the machine and the receiving spool 5| for reeling up the material, a shaft 53 is journaled vertically in the machine and extends thru all of the shelves upon which the various elements of the apparatus are supported. An electric motor 55, which is mounted upon the uppermost shelf 43, drives the vertical shaft 53 thru suitable bevelled gears .51 associated therewith. As the vertical shaft rotates it operates the shaft 41 of the driving pulley 45 which carries a bevelled gear 59 operatively. engaging a suitable bevelled gear' 6| on the vertical shaft. The uppermost end of the vertical shaft 53 is provided with a bevelled gear 63 which meshes with and drives a bevelled gear 65 mounted on the end of a shaft 61 for driving the receiving spool 5|. The shaft 61 is journalled on a suitable bracket 69 rising upwardly from the shelf 43.

In order that the receiving spool 5| may operate at suitable speed for drawing the material taut as the diameter of the material on the spool varies, the spool is driven thru a sliding friction clutch. .For this purpose the shaft 6'1, which is directly driven from the bevelled gear 65, carries one side of a friction clutch comprising a slidable friction disc H which is continuously urged by a biasing spring '13 toward a friction disc which is keyed upon the end of the shaft 11 which supports the receiving spool. The biasing spring reacts between the friction disc H and a collar 19 rigidly secured to the shaft 11 and thereby applies a suitable frictional driving force to the receiving spool to draw the material -3| taut at all times.

As the core material 3| is drawn upwardly thru the lowermost shelf 31, it is wrapped or taped with a layer of the impregnated cotton tape 5 in a spiral manner. This is accomplished by a rotating hollow spindle 8|, which is rotated in a manner subsequently set forth, and thru which the fibrous core material 3| is drawn. As the core material 3| emerges from the upper end of the rotating spindle 8|, an upwardly projecting finger 8| on the end of the spindle wraps the impregnated cotton tape 5 thereon. The supply of impregnated cotton tape 5 for this purpose is supported on a spool 82 mounted in concentrically disposed relation around the rotating spindle. As the tape 5 is unreeled from the spool 82, it passes outwardly around some of the guide pins 83 which rise vertically from a spool plate 85. The last guide pin around which the tape is wound is provided with a retaining finger 81 which is curved outwardly to prevent the tape slipping off.

The second shelf 39 of the taping machine also carries a supply spool 89 of the impregnated tape 5 through which the core with its first layer of wound tape passes in concentrically disposed relation, and as the material passes upwardly from the supply spool, a second layer of tape is wrapped thereon in a spiral manner and in a direction opposite to the first layer. This is accomplished by wrapping the tape in the opposite direction from the spool 89 around the associated guide pins 9| and onto the moving material. The last guide pin 9| also carries a retainer finger 93 for holding the tape 5. A wrapping finger (not shown) may be provided on the upper end of the spindle of the second wrapping mechanism if desired. For rotating the wrapping devices on the first and second shelves respectively, gear trains 91 and 95 are provided which drive the respective spindles and associated spools in opposite directions from the vertical shaft 53.

In operation, the electric motor 51 continuously drives the vertical shaft 53 which drives the drive pulley 45, drawing the core material 3| upwardly from the supply spool 33 around the idler pulley 38 from which it passes upwardly thru the winding mechanisms insuccession. This covers the fibrous core material 3| with oppositely and spirally wound overlapping coatings of the impregnated tape 5. It will be readily understood that any number of winding mechanisms may be added in series relation and driven in opposite directions whereby as many coats of impregnated tape may be provided as desired.

As the material is provided with the desired number of coatings of impregnated tape, and loaded upon the receiving spool, these are removed from the machine and the resulting material is once more passed through the drying oven l9 to remove all remaining solvent until a resinous substance remains in and on the tape. The material is then cut into members of suitable length in accordance with the desired length of the pins, allowance being made for wastage of ends.

The members thus prepared are placed between a pair of press plates I|l| having suitable interengaging and spaced portions for pressing it and molding it into suitable conformation. The press plates thus loaded with the taped members are inserted between the jaws of a powerful hydraulic press, as shown in Figure 4 and subjected to a pressure of about 2 tons per square inch. Such a press comprises a cylinder I93 which may be supplied with high pressure fluid from a suitable source to lift a piston and raise the table I95 in the usual manner, as will be readily understood. The upward thrust is utilized for squeezing the press plates IDI which are mounted thereon against a downwardly turned table III! which is supported between side frame members I09 and braced by a suitable bracket III engaging a transversely disposed beam II 3 which is also secured in the side frame members I09. In order to provide for pressing a number of pairs of the pressing plates IOI simultaneously, a transversely disposed shelf plate I I5 is laid upon the first layer of press plates and the next layer of press plates rests in turn upon the shelf plate I I5. Theshelf plate is longer than the table I05 and its projecting ends rest upon brackets II! in the side frame members I09 of the press when the lower table is lowered to its lowest position. This arrangement greatly facilitates loading the press as the press plates may be placed directly on the upper face of the table I05 and also on the upper face of the transverse shelf plate I I5. The press is almost completely enclosed by a chamber having suitable side walls II9 for passing off fumes. The press plates are heated by steam or by electricity in a well known manner. When desired blowers may be mounted on pedestals I2I to accelerate the disposition of the fumes. This press,

of course, is old and any other suitable press may be used.

When the press has been loaded, as above set forth, and a suitable temperature of about 300 to 360 degrees Fahrenheit has been attained in the oven, the high pressure fiuid is admitted into the cylinder I03 of the press thereby squeezing the pairs of press'plates IOI together with a pressure of about 2 tons per square inch of material area. Under the conditions of pressure and heat to which it is simultaneously exposed, a portion of the impregnating fluid exudes from the fibrous member, which is thus saturated and surrounded by it and it becomes a hard, consistent, solid mass, since the pressure also serves to mold the saturated member to the desired conformation. The impregnated fluid hardens throughout the member, during the pressing operation, thus providing a hard, wear-resisting member I22 having a uniform fiber structure,

: which is of a smooth and uniform conformation of the desired diameter as shown in Figure 7. The ends are then trimmed off to give the exact length of the pin desired.

While the method thus far described produces a very satisfactory pin, I prefer to give the pins a final cure in a hot bath of paraffin. This permits greater economy in the pressing operation, as I am thereby enabled to cut down some of the time otherwise required to thoroughly form and cure the pins in the press.

Since the product is slightly porous it will absorb a quantity of paraffin which acts as a lubricant and also finishes the cure of the pins.

For this purpose I use any suitable tank I23 in which I place parafiin and heat the same with any suitable heating element I25, such as gas burners, for example.

It will be seen that I have provided a simple method of making belt coupling pins of a fibrous material and an impregnating fluid whereby various sizes of pins with smooth conformation may be readily provided of a material which is heat and wear-resisting and which does not become deeply grooved after prolonged use, whereby it may be conveniently removed without destruction.

Aside from the specific methods herein shown and described, it will be understood that numerous details thereof may be altered or omitted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed and' claimed, and that I do not desire to limit the invention except as is necessitated by prior art and the spirit of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. The method of making a belt-lacer coupling pin which comprises Wrapping a fibrous core with a plurality of overlapping layers of impregnated tape in a spiral manner, said layers being disposedin oppositely wound relation, and exuding a portion of the impregnating fluid therefrom whilst molding it to harden the exuded fiuid and form a pin'of the desired conformation.

2. The method of making a belt-lacer coupling pin which comprises wrapping a fibrouscore with impregnated fibrous tape in aspiral manner, subjecting the member thus formed to a continuous' dry'ing process until substantially all solvent has evaporated therefrom and a resinous substance remains in the tape, and then pressing the member thus formed while applying heat thereto for causing the impregnating liquid to Ice-exuded from and molded around the member.

3. The method of making a belt-lacer coupling pin which comprises passing a fibrous tape through an impregnating solution of phenolresin, wrapping the impregnated tape about a fibrous core in a spiral manner, subjecting the member thus formed to heat and. pressure for exuding a portion of the impregnating fluid from said'member andmoulding the same to provide a pin of the desired conformation. 4. The method of making belt-lacer coupling pins which comprises passing. a fibrous tape through an impregnating solution of phenol-resin,

Wrapping the impregnated tape about a moving core of fibrous material, cutting members therefrom slightly longer than the desired length, subjecting the members thus formed to heat and pressure for exuding a portion of the impregnat ing fiuid therefrom whilst molding the same to form pins of the desired conformation and trimming the same to the desired length. a

5. The method of making belt-lacer coupling pins which comprises passing a fibrous tape through an impregnating solution of phenolresin, wrapping a plurality of overlapping layers of the impregnated tape on a moving core'of fibrous material in alternate oppositely wound relation, cutting members therefrom of substantially the desired length, and exuding a portion of the impregnating liquid from the members whilst molding the same to form pins of the desired conformation.

6. The method of making a belt-lacer coupling pin which comprises passing a fibrous tape through an impregnating phenolic condensation fiuid, partially evaporating the solvent from the impregnated tape by passing it through a drying oven, Wrapping the impregnated tape about a moving core of fibrous material in oppositely wound spiral layers, passing the resultant material through a drying oven to totally evaporate the remaining solvent, cutting members therefrom of a length slightly longer than the desired length' of a finished pin, placing the cut members in a press and subjecting them to heat and pressure sufiicient to cause a portion of the impregnating material to exude and to form a hard exterior coating, and trimming the members to the desired length.

'7. The method of making a belt-lac'er coupling pin which comprises wrapping a fibrous core with a plurality of overlapping layers of impregnated tape in a spiral manner, said layers being disposed in oppositely wound relation, subjecting the member thus formed to sufiicient heat and pressure for exuding a portion of the impregnating fluid therefrom whilst molding it to form a pin of the desired conformation, and curing the resultant member in a hot paraflin bath.

8. The method of making a belt-lacer coupling pin which comprises wrapping a fibrous core with impregnated fibrous tape in a spiral manner, subjecting the member thus formed to a continuous drying process until substantially all moisture has evaporated therefrom and a resinous substance remains in the tape, then pressing the member thus formed, causing the impregnating liquid to be exuded from and molded around the member and curing the resultant member in. a

hot paraflin bath.

9. The method of making a belt-lacer coupling pinwhich comprises passing a fibrous tape through an impregnating phenolic condensation fluid, wrapping the impregnated tape about a fibrous core in a spiral manner, exuding a por tion of the impregnating fluid, from said member,

molding the same to provide a pin of the desired conformation, and curing the resultant member in a hot paraffin bath. r

10. The method of making belt-lacer coupling pins which comprises passing a fibrous-tape through an impregnating phenolic condensation fluid, wrapping the impregnated tape about a moving core of fibrous material, cutting members therefrom slightly longer than the desired length, subjecting the members thus formed-to pressure and temperature suitable for exuding a portion of the impregnating fluid therefrom whilst molding the same to form pins of the desired conformation, trimming the members to the desired length and curing them in a hot paraflln bath.

11. The method of making belt-lacer coupling pins which comprises passing a fibrous tape through an impregnating phenolic condensation fluid, wrapping a plurality of overlapping layers of the impregnated tape on a moving core of fibrous material in alternate oppositely wound relation, cutting members therefrom of substantially the desired length, subjecting the members thus formed to pressure and temperature suitable for exuding a portion of the impregnating liquid therefrom whilst molding the same to form pins of the desired conformation, and curing them in a hot paraffin bath.

12. The method of making a belt-lacer coupling pin which comprises passing a fibrous tape through an impregnating phenolic condensation fluid, partially evaporating the solvent from the impregnated tape by passing it through a drying oven, wrapping the impregnated tape about a. moving core of fibrous material in oppositely wound spiral layers, pressing the resultant material through a, drying oven to totally evaporate the remaining solvent, cutting members therefrom of a length slightly longer than the desired length of a finished pin, placing the cut members in a press and subjecting them to heat and pressure suflicient to cause a portion of the impregnating material to exude and to form a hard exterior coating, and curing them in a hot paraffin bath.

FRANK W. KNOTT. 

